ICE Critical of Santa Fe Jail

SANTA FE — The Santa Fe County jail continues to release many illegal immigrants — some of them dangerous criminals — to the streets before immigration officials can detain them. That’s according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who this week ramped up their criticism of the lockup in Santa Fe, known for its “safe haven” attitude toward immigrants. After the agency’s statements to KOAT-TV, repeating earlier claims that jail officials don’t do enough to help them enforce federal immigration law, the county and ICE sat down to try to reach an understanding. ICE assistant Albuquerque field office director William Jepsen told the Journal the feds have voiced their concerns with the county “multiple times,” and he described the relationship between the two sides as “strained and stressed.” Police Chief Ray Rael said his department is concerned about any criminal, whether an illegal immigrant or a local, being released when they’re not supposed to be. “If someone is not held, then it’s a concern.” Santa Fe County Sheriff Robert Garcia said no criminals, undocumented or otherwise, “should be back on the street” if the feds want them in custody. ~~big snip~~ And the elephant in the room could be Santa Fe County’s immigrant-friendly policies. “I’d be naive to say that it doesn’t (play a role in the issue),” Mihelcic said. “We are a safe haven, and it’s a matter of finding a balance between a safe haven and a safe community.” “Here in Santa Fe,” Stefanics said, “immigrants are a part of our community. And they should be treated in a fair manner.” (Excerpt) Read more at abqjournal.com …